The National Guard provides a way for U.S. citizens to serve their country in a part-time capacity. As in the private sector, where employees work their way up the career ladder earning promotions along the way, a National Guard officer can also earn promotions throughout his career. National Guard officers take one of four paths to become an officer and fulfill various requirements to move up the ranks.

Meet General Requirements

The path to promotion starts with adhering to general requirements, such as serving continuously for a certain number of years, the exact number depending on the position and branch, and being on the Reserve active status list. Other eligibility requirements include passing a physical fitness test, getting a military medical evaluation at least every five years and maintaining the necessary security clearance for that particular rank. High-ranking officials place qualifying officers on a promotion list maintained by the Office of Promotions, and an officer must be on this list to be considered for a promotion.

Fulfill Time-in-Grade Mandates

National Guard officers must put in the hours and earn a certain number of time-in-grade credits to earn promotions. In the Army National Guard, moving from second lieutenant to first lieutenant and from first lieutenant to captain requires at least two years in the lower grade, while moving from captain to major and major to lieutenant colonel needs at least four years. Air National Guard officers must serve at least three years to move up to captain and seven years for major and lieutenant colonel roles. To be eligible for promotion, an officer must not spend too many years at a lower pay grade -- typically no longer than five to seven years at one level.

Go Before the Promotion Board

Officers must also go before a selection board that assesses each candidate’s eligibility. The boards meet once a year to promote officers to the various positions. The promotion board receives a file on each candidate that includes the candidate’s evaluation reports from superiors, academic evaluation reports and any disciplinary action taken against the candidate. The board determines whether each candidate has met the physical, professional, educational and moral qualifications and makes sure she will be able to fulfill the job duties of the promoted rank.

Take Required Courses

Officers in the National Guard must also take specialty officer courses as they climb the career ladder. For the second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain ranks, officers must pass the resident officer basic course. Moving from captain to major requires taking any advanced officer course the military offers, while earning major, lieutenant colonel and colonel ranks means taking the command and general staff officers course. The National Guard also requires that officers holding a rank above first lieutenant must possess a bachelor’s degree from a qualifying postsecondary institution.